Learning about animal tracks

NEW ULM – Being able to identify an animal’s foot prints is essential to the study of wildlife, according to Scott Kudelka of the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.

Kudelka presented a program on Wednesday at the Public Library for children eager to learn more about wildlife.

In groups of three, children moved through 15 stations featuring a different animal footprint, ranging from pheasant to coyote. Often the tracks left behind are the only evidence an animal was in a specific area.

The attendance for the event was higher than expected. Children’s Librarian Katy Hiltner estimated 75 children took part in the DNR-led program, making it one of the best attended events so far this summer at the library.

The program is one of many summer events sponsored by the Public Library. A Kids Concert in German Park is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. today.

The Cogley Sisters of Hutchinson will entertain with sing-along children’s classics and music from the ’40s and ’50s. This program is sponsored by the Friends of the New Ulm Public Library.